American Senior High School

I would like to respond to the teacher who responded earlier. Please, don't insult students when you can't even teach. I had you for a class and it was a nightmare, our entire class filed complaints against you because you managed to upset every student and this is coming from a student you actually liked. Anyway, on the topic of the school. I was a student here from 2007 to 2011, I have very mixed feelings about this school. They have many teachers that are terrible, but have some that genuinely care and the memories I have of the good ones will follow me throughout my life, such as how the memories of the terrible ones will also haunt me and I bring them up whenever I want to tell a funny story to people. It really is a ridiculous school now that I think of it. It was ridiculous, but I enjoyed it for the most part. :)

While this school does have a few good teachers most are just shameful. For starters the teachers will 87% of the time give you a long packet which you have never been reviewed on, and say i need it by Monday. Oh and no this isn't one of those know how much you know packets you get one of these almost everyday. They mostly gossip with their favorite students or teachers ABOUT students, openly too. Example: a teachers goes to lunch with other teacher and talk about how stupid this kid is or how fat that one is. how do i know? i actually hear them, they are not discrete at all. Oh but when open house comes they go into angel mode and appear as if they are the best, kindest teacher ever. I got 3 more years of this left but hey it readies you for college in that since you don't learn ANYTHING WHATSOEVER you get to cram the book and study all day and night to pass. If you pass the teachers give themselves a pat on the back for their hard work. Oh not only that but say a kid is getting beaten in the bathroom and a teachers hears about it ' don't worry kids sooner or later they will finish'. . BTW we cant make a complete sentence cause WE DON'T LEARN ANYTHING. I wish i could say more but.

American to me is an okay school. i am still going to be in that school for the next three years and im not liking the idea. the teachers DON'T DO ANYTHING. i mean i was lucky to even pass the first year i DID'N'T LEARN ANYTHING at all i have to teach my self all my teacher either were always yelling at the students the moment they walk in. other teacher just sit there not even teach just give you something to do and that it while they are gossiping to there students. others give you grade just by favoritism nothing else if the teacher hates you they give you a bad grade. im not joking around because almost all my teachers where like that i've seen it my self . American needs teacher like mr. escalante from the movie stand and deliver.

You will notice that the people or person that gave us low ratings can not put a sentence together properly. Our FCAT scores in writing are ALL over 80% since the FCAT began. At present this indicates that this is NOT one of our students. Public schools are obligated to accept everyone; we gladly do so That makes us better and proud. This is a great school with many opportunities to learn and teach. Norman Ponce Social Studies Teacher
—Submitted by a teacher

As my sister, cousins and myself were former students of american, I have to say that even though it started out very bad, then became a somewhat better school - there is still much lack. Now, my child is attending...The overall attitude is sarcasm from staff and teachers "acting" as if they care about the school/student, when they really don't. The reason more parents aren't involved is because they are blown off and quickly dispatched, considered a neusance for getting involved. Let's mention the teachers that are constantly complaining about having to teach, and saying so to the kids! Plus, their total lack in commitment to teach (most rather be on the INTERNET or gossiping with other teachers). It's a total dissappointment & insufficient leadership. Main problem is the messed up attitude not the budget! Slightly better school in the area for consolation?
—Submitted by a parent

Wow . Im currently a student at american now . I went into this school with an bad attitude from lawton chiles . I had bad grades but when i came to american my grades improved majorly . American is a great school . Trust me !
—Submitted by a student

Last year, our valedictorian was accepted to MIT. This year we have a few seniors are attending Ivy league Schools. Im my opinion, it's an overall good school.
—Submitted by a parent

As an alumni I can personally say American was the best choice my parents made. I was involved since freashman year with countless other kids in clubs, sports, and associations. Like every public school it has deadbeats but for the most part the kids are all very intelligent. We have a really high number of grads reviving scholarships for sports and grades. I know classmates that got accepted into UF UM NYU FSU FIU MSU UCF UH MDHC Vtech and OSU just to name a few of the best. Don't underestimate the students because of their ethnicity social class economic status or the schools history.
—Submitted by a student

this school is the worst school that you can ever imagine,i cant believe that it got a 5, a 3 maybe but a 5,whoever rated this was being to lenient
—Submitted by a student

Has many and great extracurricular activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Many people believe that the school is bad. My freshman year there has been the best. They have a lot of really good students and outstanding academic programs. The school has tons of extracurricular activities and tries really hard to be involved with student's lives.
—Submitted by a student

I thought this school would be bad, but it has been great! My son did not do so well in lawton chiles, and i thought that would continue in american, but i was wrong! The school has improved, there is no more violence, the teachers care for students and newsweek named it one of the nations best schools! To all the parents who think this school is bad, take it from me, i thought it was bad too, but it's great, and it will continue to do good in the future!
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student of American Senior High, I must say... WOW! This public school is so very unorganized & way to crowded. All I keep coming across in these reviews is how wonderful AP courses are & hoe great the honors program is. What abou about the students who aren't in honors? Should they be exposed to the lower part of what is considered to be a 'no child left behind' program? Quite frankly, I believe we not to stop all of the rediculous budget cutting surfacing. Otherwise, American will never reach brilliance & most of our students (potential leaders & what not) will never fully reach for the stars so to speak. Our public school system needs more money! What's more important: being able to supply maximum amounts of money for our criminals in jail or providing money right now so students have better fates then that of jail.
—Submitted by a student

My child has some of the most challenging AP classes he has ever taken. Teachers do a great job challenging their student's minds. My daughter seems to love this school. I recommend this school to you and your child if you are ready for the experience of a lifetime.
—Submitted by a student

As a student fitting in seems to be a religion for many. At american high fitting in isnt hard getting along is easy and teachers are supportive and caring.
—Submitted by a student

As Alumni in American Senior High School, I would hands down recommen dthis school. The diversity of students, the enthusiasm of many teachers including counselors, and the motivation to compete academically was always present.I've attended private & public school & can honestly say this was the best positive experience.The area is not bad.
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty is very helpful. They really do care about you and your child. Also, the teachers are some of the best.
—Submitted by a parent

The School has a bad reputation because of the Area that it is Located. In Actuality The School is Better than All the Schools in the Area. This Year it was rated Top 5% of Schools in the nation by Newsweek Magazine. The Environment, The Clubs, The activities, The Teachers & Staff are all excellent. Forget what everybody else says about the school, Experience it firsthand and you'll come to notice its not at all what people say it is.
—Submitted by a former student

Worst school I ever attended
—Submitted by a student

This school has the potential to be very good. There is great need for organization of extracurricular activities and involving students. The leadership for most clubs is very poor and a lack of commitment. Timeliness of handing out progress reperts andreport cards is poor. Trying to communicate with teachers and counselors is near to impossible. Should invest in e-mail for all teachers and make communication more parent and student friendly.
—Submitted by a parent